Building Permits and Inspections

How do I get started?

First-time users should click the Sign up using Secure Portal link on the login page. Then, when prompted, enter your email address and a secure password, and click "Sign Up" to create an account. Passwords must be at least eight characters and include an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, and a number.

Who should fill out the application?

The entity responsible for the project should fill out the permit. This is usually the general contractor. For trade-only permits, the main trade contractor should complete the application. Homeowners should only fill out the permit if they are acting as the general contractor.

Can other people sign in and see the application?

An application is accessed through the email and password of the account used to submit it. However, the account holder can invite others to view the permit record by adding their name and email address. This access can be revoked at any time by the permit owner.

Can I see all my applications in one place?

Once logged in, the "My Account" link in the top right corner of the website opens a dashboard with information such as your tasks, messages, past and present applications, and issued permit and license documents.

Additional Details for Creating an Account

Creating a user account can be done by selecting the "Sign Up" option in the top right corner of the Online Permit Center.

Next, select the "Sign up using Secure Portal" button. When prompted, enter your email address and a secure password, then select "Sign Up" to create your account. Passwords must be at least eight characters and include an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, and a number.

What do I do if I need help with my permit or have questions about the status?

Applications can be saved and resumed at a later time. If there are questions, please call 919-968-2718 or email your requests to permits@townofchapelhill.org.

I submitted my permit. What's next?

Check the status of your permit. For all building permits, the next step is to pay the administrative review fee. For trade only permits, the fees are due when the permit is issued.

How do I check the status of my permit?

The user dashboard can be accessed by returning users at the Online Permit Center and then clicking the link for “account” in the upper right-hand corner of the landing page. Select the permit in question to review its status.

How will I know if I need to do anything?

The Online Permit Center system will also email an applicant about next steps in the process. Applicants can also open the application and check the list of steps in the permit process on left hand side of the page. Once the application is submitted, the active steps in process will turn blue. When they are complete the steps will turn green. Steps in Grey indicate that the steps ahead of those have yet to be completed and are unavailable.

Do I need to update my permit if I add additional building, electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing work?

Yes! NCGS 160A-419 Changes in Work. After a permit has been issued, no changes or deviations from the terms of the application, plans and specifications, or the permit—except where clearly permissible under the State Building Code—shall be made until written approval of the proposed changes or deviations has been obtained from the inspection department.

Can I make updates in my electronic form?

The Online Permit Center does not allow an applicant to edit an electronic form once it is submitted. Therefore, all changes to the permit must be submitted through the attachment section of the permit.

How do I submit project permit changes to the Online Permit Center?

Upload attachments to the permit in the Online Permit Center or email them to permits@townofchapelhill.org. When signatures are required, please sign and scan them electronically.

• Resubmittal Form(PDF, 395KB): Use this form when requesting changes to the project. It must be accompanied by a revised detailed scope of work (including additional fixtures or appliances), revised construction costs, and revised plans drawn to 1/4" scale. Use highlights and bubbles to indicate changes on revised plans.
• Change of Contractor Form(PDF, 327KB): Use this form to update General Contractor information for residential permits or for any trade or General Contractor changes on commercial permits. Only the current General Contractor, their representative, or the legal property owner may submit this change.

Why am I receiving email notifications about the permit?

The Online Permit Center automatically generates an email notification to the applicant for each step in the permit process.

Why am I receiving so many email notifications?

There are some permits that have 10-15 steps in the process and the applicant will receive an email when the permit goes through each step. In addition, an applicant will receive an email notification for each inspection type that the project may need. On larger projects that number is significant and an applicant may receive between 10-20 emails about eligible inspections.

Can I turn off email notifications?

Unfortunately, there is no way to turn off email notifications to applicants. We have asked the software company to work on this for a future improvement. In the meantime, one approach a user can take is to set up an automatic rule that sends all emails from “NC Town of Chapel Hill” (email address: noreply@viewpointcloud.com) to a separate folder than your general inbox.

Is there a charge to pay the permit fees by credit card?

Yes. For customer convenience, the Online Permit Center is securely integrated with a third-party transaction processer provided by Stripe.com. Stripe charges a non-refundable convenience fee to process a payment for the use of its software and technology. This fee is separate from the Town of Chapel Hill fees and goes directly to Stripe. The Town does not receive any portion of the convenience fee. There is a 2.99% + .99cents per transaction fee for payment by credit card and a flat $5.50 fee per Electronic Check.

What is the credit card fee?

The cost is 2.99% + .99 cents per transaction for payment by credit card.

• Ex: Credit card fee for $50 is $2.49.
• Ex: Credit card fee for $500 is $15.94.
• Ex: Below permit with building fee, recyclable materials fee and zoning fee is $690. The credit card fee is $21.62. The total payment amount is $711.62.

What is an electronic check?

An electronic check is a secure way for applicants to pay fees using their bank account. Choosing this option will prompt the applicant to select their bank and enter their online banking username and password. They can then choose the account from which they'd like to pay, and the payment will be processed instantly. Electronic checks cost a flat fee of $5.50.

Why is the Town making applicants pay the credit card fee?

Providing an option to pay fees by credit card started out as a small cost for the Town but over time, as fees have risen and more customers pay by a variety of different credit cards, the cost to the Town has become significant. With the launch of the Online Permit System, the Town is offering an on-line option for payment which is more convenient for customers and can be utilized by paying the fee. If the customer does not wish to pay a fee the available option is to pay by money order, cash or check at the Town’s revenue desk located in Town Hall.